About Last Night: Chefs in the City

Time's description, written by award-winning chef Thomas Keller, calls Achatz, 36, a "culinary innovator," and lauds him for his "singular purpose" in establishing Alinea and Next.

"Grant exemplifies the modern chef — and nothing, not even tongue cancer, has impeded his vision and desire. While his culinary achievements have been many, knowing Grant, I expect his best is yet to come."

PHOTOS: TOC Eat Out Awards 2011

Others named in Time's list include Oprah Winfrey, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Vice President Joe Biden, whose forward was written by Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel.